DAY 1: Arrive in Heraklion and transfer to Axos village at the north side of Psiloritis Mountain.

In the evening we will have a brief presentation of the whole trip and will continue with traditional dinner. Welcome to the gastronomic reality of the authentic Cretan cuisine! (Overnight at Axos)

DAY 2: After breakfast we shall be transferred to the pottery village of Margarites for our first Running route a loop (10km, 350m D+): Margarites village – Ancient Eleftherna – Margarites village.

Following small paths and dirt roads we shall reach the ancient city of Eleftherna, built between 970 – 820 B.C and we have many things to admire such us the Byzantine tower at city’s entrance, the Roman reservoirs and the Hellenistic bridge. Passing an old Byzantine church we shall return back to Margarites where shall have the chance to visit the ceramic workshops and be introduced to the traditional art of pottery. From Margarites we shall continue to visit the historic Arkadi Monastery (the symbol of the Cretan Revolution movement in 1866, which was totally burnt by the Turks) (Overnight in Axos)

 DAY 3: Today we hike through Kourtaliotis gorge – that exits at the unique "Preveli" Palm Beach.

 Our walk starts from the Venetian arched stone bridge.  From there we will follow the path along the Kourtaliotis River that will lead us to the amazing beach of Finikas (which means palm tree: The Cretan Date Palm - Phoenix Theophrasti - is native to the east Mediterranean region). The exit of the gorge offers an unforgettable picture, as the river comes out in the sea through the forest of palm trees. We have the opportunity to swim, either in the river or in the sea, before we continue to visit the Piso Preveli Monastery. (Overnight in Axos)

DAY 4: Today’s running route is a loop from our hotel at Axos to Halepa Monastery and back to our hotel. (10km, 500m D+)

Initially we shall follow the dirt road that will lead us to the bottom of a small gorge, we shall ascend the other side of the gorge that offer us a panoramic view of Crete’s highest mountain and through the olive groves we shall reach the Halepa Monastery that was renewed. After a short break at the monastery we shall return back at Axos from a different route to complete a whole loop.   

In the afternoon we shall be able to visit the cave of Sfentoni at Zoniana village. (Overnight in Axos)

DAY 5: Today we drive back to Heraklion, stopping en route to the village of Anogia, a traditional village where we shall enjoy a Greek coffee at its square. From Anogia we will visit Knossos, to enjoy the magnificent archaeological area holding remains of a Minoan city that thrived 3500 years ago and the famous palace dated 1700-1450 B.C., excavated by Sir Arthur Evans at the beginning of this century. In the afternoon we are free to explore the city of Heraklion or to continue our culture excursion by visiting the very interesting archaeological museum, with exhibits from the Minoan period.  From Heraklion we shall go to our country side hotel close to Avdou village.  (Overnight in Avdou)

 DAY 6: A nice running route at the area will give us the chance to visit the abandoned village of Sfentili that is half inside the water of the lake and half outside. Our route (10km, 220m D+) follows dirt and asphalt roads and completes a perfect loop back to our hotel.   

In the afternoon we shall relax at hotel’s swimming pool or shall visit the largest plateau of Crete - Lassithi plateau that had over than 10000 windmills.  At Lassithi plateau, we shall have the chance to experience a small journey through mythology by visiting Zeus birthplace - the cave of Dictaion Andro.  (Overnight in Avdou)

DAY 7: Our last run (10km, 110m D+) starts from Mirabello’s rough countryside passes from Agios Ioannis chapel and finishes at Plaka village. The view to the bays of Elounda and Spinalonga island is absolutely spectacular. At Plaka village we shall have the chance to enjoy a refreshing swim and will visit by boat the island of Spinalonga to explore, “the island of tears”, that was a massive fortress for the Venetians and became later a leper colony. (Overnight in Avdou)

 DAY 8: This is the end of our trip. We will transfer you to Heraklion airport at a convenient time.

Included

• Services of the tour leader – guide
• All accommodation (7 nights in double rooms)
• 7 dinners
• All transport throughout the trip
• Baggage transport
• Entrance fees at: Samaria gorge, Agia Irini gorge, Preveli Monastery
• Boat ticket from Loutro to Sfakia
• Third party insurance
• VAT

• Everyone participating in any of Cretan Adventures events/activities is covered by third party insurance through Ethniki Asfalistiki.
• Participants need to be covered by their own personal insurance (Health/accident insurance) for the chosen activities.
• Cretan Adventures is not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour.

Mini Vans

Half Board. Local inns and village pensions throughout the trip (all with private facilities).

The trip price is based on double occupancy.

Every morning we have breakfast in the hotels and a nutritious dinner at local taverns with dishes of personal choice or traditional Greek and Cretan cuisine. (Vegetarians are welcomed on the trip).

Demanding

• Trail running shoes
• Trail running shorts and T-shirts
• Hut and sun glasses
• Trail running backpack (10-12L)
• Trail running poles (optional)

Please bear in mind that the itinerary can be altered for numerous reasons beyond our control (e.g., harsh weather, road conditions) to ensure the safety and the well being of the group. The final touring selection is left up to the trip leader.